Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box
Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box
Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box
Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box
Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box
Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box

Authentic Red Tape in Shadow Box

  • National Archives Store Exclusive
  • Handcrafted in the U.S.A.
  • 6 inches square
  • Authentic U.S. government red tape
  • This unique, handcrafted archival quality sealed box contains a one-of-a-kind genuine Civil War era redeemable bond coupon, which is hand-numbered and signed. Bound with authentic red tape, this conversation piece is a wonderful addition to your home or office or a thoughtful gift for a history buff.

    The red tape used in this shadowbox comes from records held in the National Archives. As the Archives works to protect and preserve our nation's records, improvements to storage methods mean that documents are no longer tri-folded and tied together with red tape. Archivists are "cutting the red tape" and protecting our precious artifacts using the newest approved methods of preservation.

  • By the end of the American Civil War, the practice of binding important documents with red ribbon was common throughout the western world. Civil War veterans' records were bound in red ribbon, and the difficulty in obtaining those records to file pension claims led to the modern American use of the term "red tape."

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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Tony Driscoll
Great piece of history to own!

I was intrigued by seeing you could own "official government red tape", along with a piece of history from the Civil War era! I'm very happy with the purchase, it was packaged extremely well, the shadowbox is very nice and high quality, and met all expectations. It's a great conversation starter on the bookshelf!

Thank you for your review! We are happy to hear that you are pleased with this unique piece from our store! We appreciate your support for the National Archives!

J
Jennifer

I love having this little piece of history! It’s the perfect size to have on a shelf at eye level and people often look at it and then look again…I love telling them it’s real ‘red tape’.

We love this snippet! Thank you very much, Jennifer!

A
Al T
Great keepsake

High quality, conversation starter, a little piece of history

Thank you for your high praise! We appreciate your review and your support for the National Archives.

M
Melissa
Red Tape shadow Box

Clean, clear framing.

B
Bill N.
Very cool!

I learned about the origin of "red tape" by watching a West Wing episode!